London Bloomsbury

Riddled with cheap student eats, Bloomsbury is an exciting and accessible culinary neighborhood. Here are some of the true gems.

Newman Arms, 23 Rathbone St. (020 7636 1127; www.newmanarms.co.uk) Established in 1730, the Newman Arms has been serving succulent British pies about as long as the Queen's relatives have been on the throne. The menu reads like an ode to comfort food, with pies like beef and Guinness, steak and kidney, and lamb and rosemary. The warm upstairs dining room fills up fast, so be sure to reserve a table one day in advance during the summer and much farther in advance during the winter (sometimes even months). This food will warm your heart without shrinking your wallet. Goodge St. Turn left onto Tottenham Court Rd., left onto Tottenham St., left onto Charlotte St., and right onto Rathbone St. Enter through the corridor next to the entrance to the pub. Pies £10. Puddings £11. Open M-F noon-2:30pm and 6-9:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.

Navarro's Tapas Bar, 67 Charlotte St. ( 020 7637 7713; www.navarros.co.uk) It would make sense if, upon entering this restaurant, you began patting yourself for your passport and looking for the customs agent who won't take "I've nothing to declare" as a personal challenge. Bathed in candlelight and strains of Flamenco music, Navarro's boasts an excellent selection of regional wines that will convince you that you're on your way to Spain. The waitresses wear black and red traditional outfits, and the food lives up to the hype. Tapas are small plates of food, and most people order two or three, with three being a typical meal. Don't forget your castanets. Goodge St. Turn left onto Tottenham Court Rd., turn left onto Tottenham St. and left onto Charlotte St. Nicer dress is preferable, as is booking in advance. Mainly vegetarian dishes £4.85-4.95, fish and shellfish £5.75-6.10. Open M-F noon-3pm and 6-10pm, Sa 6-10pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.

North Sea Fish Restaurant, 7-8 Leigh St. ( 020 7387 5892; www.northseafishrestaurant.co.uk) In a country where you'd think "chips" were a natural part of the fish, North Sea Fish takes the British staple one step further with a wide-ranging menu encompassing dishes such as the Seafood Platter (fried goujons of cod, haddock, plaice, pieces of scotch scampi, squid, and sardines). Basically, most of the menu is fish and chips, and the fact that this is still a good restaurant speaks volumes. Russell Sq. Go down Colonnade with your back to Russell Sq. Turn left on Grenville St. Follow it onto Hunter St., which will become Judd St. Turn left at Leigh St. Cheap takeaway available next door to the restaurant. Entrees £14-15. Open M-Sa noon-2:30pm and 5:30-10:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.

Savoir Faire, 42 New Oxford St. (020 7436 0707; www.savoir.co.uk) This place looks a little bit like a New Orleans whorehouse, and we mean that in the best way possible. Handwritten notes on the ceiling advise customers to "make love to every woman you meet." If you get 5% on your outlays, it's a "good investment," while a mural of dancing, drinking French women covers the wall. The ceiling is also partially filled with notes from friends, emphasizing the community feel of the restaurant. What Savoir Faire knows how to make is immediately obvious and is explained by their slogan: "affordable gourmet food." Omelettes are served with fresh baked bread, and sandwiches come on fresh baguettes. Tottenham Court Road. Turn onto New Oxford St. so that Tottenham Court Rd. is on your left and Charing Cross Rd. is on your right. Omelettes £5-6, sandwiches £4.50. Open M-Sa noon-11pm, Su noon-10:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.

Andreas, 40 Charlotte St. ( 020 7580 8971; www.andreas-restaurant.com) Andreas is expensive, but some say that Mediterranean cuisine is the healthiest for you; so if you want to live long in poverty, eat here often. Offering well-made Greek and Mediterranean food at correspondingly high prices, Andreas hits all of the classics. The menu features dishes like moussaka, dolmades, and garlic poussin that are chic and upscale, yet accessible. Goodge St. Turn left onto Tottenham Court Rd., turn left onto Tottenham St. and left onto Charlotte St. Entrees £13-15. Open M-F 11:30am-3:30pm and 5:30-11pm, Sa 5:30-11pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.